updated 05:05 pm EDT, Wed June 19, 2013

Daily mandatory Internet check-in, console game registration removed

Following a lambasting by the gaming press and the general public, Microsoft has elected to drop the 24-hour Internet check-in previously revealed at E3 last week. In a statement, Microsoft announced that the new change will allow users to "trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc-based games just like you do today -- there will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360."

Microsoft's initial vision for the Xbox One, as described by Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business President Don Mattrick, was for the console to "take full advantage of advances in technology in order to deliver a breakthrough in game play and entertainment. We imagined a new set of benefits such as easier roaming, family sharing, and new ways to try and buy games. We believe in the benefits of a connected, digital future." Today's DRM shift mostly eliminates that goal for the console.

There are some feature redactions as a result of the DRM backtrack, though. Previously-announced sharing features of the console have also been excised. In its announcement, Microsoft says that "these changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One. The sharing of games will work as it does today, you will simply share the disc. Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold. Also, similar to today, playing disc-based games will require that the disc be in the tray."

Additionally announced in the statement is the one-time requirement for an Internet connection for console setup, and the region-free nature of the console's ability to play DVDs.